Call 911 if the victim:

1. Ensure Victim's Safety

Get the victim to a safe, secure place.

Call the police if there are still any signs of danger from the attacker.

2. Provide Support

Make sure the victim is not left alone.

Your local rape crisis center can provide additional support and information. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673), and the call will be directed to a rape treatment center near you.

3. Do Not Clean Up Before Receiving Medical Attention

To preserve evidence, the victim should not bathe, go to the bathroom, comb her hair, or change clothes until she has received a medical examination. Do not clean up anything at the site of the assault.

Consult your doctor or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) for referrals to support groups or mental health counselors who can help the victim deal with the trauma of rape or sexual assault. Ongoing support for rape and sexual assault victims is essential, because the trauma of such attacks can have serious long-term effects.

If you are a friend or relative of a rape or sexual assault victim, listen and provide ongoing support, and reassure her that she is not at fault for what happened.